yup, there was a ton of overlap with those two vehicle.

Here is a spy shot of the new one for those that havn't seen it yet

 

I thought the Ford Flex was the Taurus-X replacement. They are both on D3, right?

 

IIRC, they're all on D3 (or "D4"). Flex is is the the more upscale version, while Explorer is the more traditional housewife SUV.

 

3 years ago you had the Freestar, Freestyle, and Explorer. Minivans and BOF SUVs are not as popular as they used to be, and all those vehicles seated 6-7. So Ford slimmed their offerings down to 2 products, Flex and Unibody Explorer.

I consider the Flex to be more of a minivan replacement.

 

Correct.

 

I dont see how anything that is not a minivan is a minivan replacement.

Flex is not a minivan.

Taurus X and Flex are VERY VERY similar in layout. The styling is different, but it's just about the exact same market segment.

 

FYI, the current Focus is built here in Michigan. The previous model was built in Mexico. Next Focus is planned to be built here in Michigan as well at the plant that built the Expedition and Navigator

 

The Flex replaced the TaurusX, which used to be called the Freestyle, which replaced the Freestar, which used to be called the Windstar, haha

Ive seen the Explorer Mules driving around (the one pictured above). That picture is actually taken from a parking lot in Downtown Royal Oak, where I live.

I doubt very much its going to look like that as that vehicle is basically cobbled up from a Taurus X body, with a lift kit and a Flex front end. THe parts dont fit together correctly and the tailgate is sealed to the body with duct tape. Its only to test the chassis itself. It doesnt even have Ford wheels on it. Theyre all rolling around with chrome wheels that you can buy cheap off ebay

 

I have yet to sit in a Flex, but Isn't it just a minivan with hinged doors instead of sliding? If it had sliding rear doors would it be considered a minivan?

 

So how will this new Explorer compare to the Gen 1 Explorer of the early 90's? I enjoyed having a vehicle with utility and a somewhat smaller size but still a tough truck frame.

 

The Explorer hasn't changed much in size since the 90s. Unless you are talking about the old Bronco IIs from the 80s?

 

Every generation of Explorer has grown a few inches. This new one will be at least as big as the 2006-2009 which is about 10" longer than the 1991. If you want a smaller SUV you have to go with the Escape or Edge. Edge is about the same size as the first gen Explorer.